Barca-Velha 2015: The 21st Vintage of Douro’s Most Iconic Wine
After the declaration, the time has come to welcome Barca-Velha 2015. Ready to be enjoyed by fine wines connoisseurs from Portugal and around the world, Barca-Velha 2015 will reach the market by the end of June, continuing to honour the best of the Douro.
Barca-Velha was born from a bold vision conceived by Fernando Nicolau de Almeida, rooted in the history of Douro. Envisioned in the 1940s, each release is a testament to the meticulous care dedicated to its production, as well as to the art of patience. From the impeccable selection of grape varieties that compose it, and the ageing period that attests to its uniqueness, to the oenological decision to declare it, which only happens in truly exceptional years. After 21 vintages, it is time to unveil the latest expression of the most iconic wine from the Douro: Barca-Velha 2015.
Gracefulness, character, and persistence are among the adjectives used by winemaker Luís de Sottomayor, head of Casa Ferreirinha’s oenology team since 2007, to describe the wine that has proven to have extraordinary ageing potential. "Barca-Velha 2015 presents an exquisite maturation, combining the excellence of its predecessors — a strong structure that echoes the grandeur of Barca-Velha 2011, along with a vibrant acidity and elegance evoking the distinctive character of Barca-Velha 2008," assures the winemaker. After 9 years of ageing, Barca-Velha 2015 is ready to be introduced to the world, promising to reach its peak up to 25 years after its harvest. This wine has indeed justified the expectation to maintain remarkable quality for many years!
According to Fernando da Cunha Guedes, President at Sogrape, “When it comes to releasing such an emblematic wine, the feeling is always a mix of great joy and immense responsibility. This declaration required a set of truly exceptional circumstances, and a magic that is out of man’s hands, rather revealed when nature allows. Therefore, the release of a new vintage of Barca-Velha is a unique moment — for Sogrape, the wine sector, and the consumers who anxiously await the opportunity to taste the wine.
Barca-Velha 2015 is the pinnacle of what Nature offers us, honouring the history and glory of this typical Douro flavor.
Casa Ferreirinha's Barca-Velha 2015 — the 21st edition of one of Portugal's most emblematic wines will start reaching the market from late-June.
Casa Ferreirinha Barca-Velha 2015 Tasting Notes
It has a deep ruby colour. Very intense and complex aroma, highlighting bushy notes like olive leaf, olive paste, black fruit, spices, pepper, balsamic, cedar, and tobacco box, with a stony character, and very well-integrated, subtle wood. On the palate, it has a powerful attack, vibrant acidity, lively tannins, hints of spices, red fruit, with a very long and elegant finish.
Harvest year – 2015
2015 was a dry year for most of the vegetative cycle, with March registering around 50% less rainfall than normal, as well as a higher temperature than average between April and May. June and July were very hot, but a proper management of soil water availability and foliage enabled regular and homogeneous veraison. The climate accelerated the growth cycle of the vines by about 1 to 2 weeks, and the temperature variations between August and September allowed for balanced grape maturation, preserving their elegance and harmony.
Casa Ferreirinha Barca-Velha vintage releases: 1952, 1953, 1954, 1955, 1957, 1964, 1965,1966, 1978, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1985, 1991, 1995, 1999, 2000, 2004, 2008, 2011 e 2015.
